To celebrate the September 3rd reopening of its Beverly Hills flagship, Hermès is hosting a grand soirée and launching an accessories lineup dedicated to Los Angeles. Its roots here, after all, run deep. Hermès first opened on Rodeo Drive in 1972, then moved its shop down the street in 1997 to a jewelbox designed by Rena Dumas Architecture Interieure. The same Parisian firm is responsible for the boutique’s striking new lines, Carrara marble façade, cube-like windows and party-ready rooftop garden. The 12,000-square-foot interior at 434 N. Rodeo Drive includes a sculptural spiral staircase below a massive skylight and a floor made from mosaic tiling. On the newly added third level, patrons can stock up on chic Maison wares including wallpaper and textiles; ready-to-wear, jewelry and luggage are still housed on floors below. The boutique will also have a craftsperson stationed inside to repair the company’s famed handmade leather bags.
Exclusive to the shop, International Artistic Director Pierre-Alexis Dumas commissioned Benoît-Pierre Emery, artistic director of objects and tableware, to create one of its signature silk scarves. “I felt inspired immediately, as there’s such a strong visual imaginary universe around Los Angeles,” says Emery, whose palm shadows and orange-bordered swimming pool design embraces SoCal landscapes and 2013’s “A Sporting Life” motif. This paved the way for other ultra-luxe items such as a canvas-and-leather wine trunk, beach towel, and a white wicker and turquoise leather Kelly Picnic handbag. “There’s an [Hermès] philosophy of fun and pleasure, and it makes a perfect link with the easy-going California lifestyle and casual spirit.”

By Caroline Cagney

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